Center for Infectious Disease Research and Vaccinology

South Dakota State University and University of South Dakota

Assistant/Associate/Full Professor 

Salary/Benefits: $80,000-$100,000/year plus fringe benefits, depending on qualifications and experience. 

Location:  South Dakota State University, Brookings, South Dakota

General Statement of Function: To carry out cutting-edge research on the molecular or biochemical biology of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies of humans and animals. Teach graduate and/ or undergraduate courses as required 25% of time or less.   Rank and salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.  Continuation of employment and rank advancement will be dependent on the development of an independent, extramurally funded research program. 

Principle Duties: To carry out cutting-edge basic and translational research on infectious diseases, with a focus on prion diseases of humans and animals.  This research is expected to focus on the molecular and biochemical biology of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies and potential immunotherapies.  The successful candidate will be expected to complement the existing expertise and research programs of the CIDRV and Department of Veterinary Science at South Dakota State University, and develop their research program through pursuit of extramural funding.  The new faculty member will be expected to participate in the educational mandate of the center through supervision of undergraduate, graduate, and post-doctoral trainees, as well as participation in individual or team-taught undergraduate and graduate courses.   

Supervisory Responsibilities: The successful candidate will be expected to supervise and train undergraduate researchers, graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, and research technicians.   

Minimum Qualifications (Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skill, Aptitude):

• Earned PhD or Equivalent in Microbiology, Molecular Biology or a related field.
• Minimum 2 years post-doctoral training.
• Must have experience and interest in molecular and/or biochemical analysis of prion biology
• Evidence of successful scholarly research ability in prion molecular biology as measured by publications in international peer-reviewed journals.
• Ability to communicate and interact effectively with research colleagues, students, and the public
• Willingness to collaborate with existing research within the CIDRV

Desired Qualifications:

• Successful track record in obtaining federal extramural research funding

• Publication record focusing on the molecular biology and biochemistry of scrapie or chronic wasting disease.

• Experience as research director or laboratory head of an active research laboratory.

• Experience in the generation of immunity to infectious prion agents.

Institutional Location: South Dakota State University and the Center for Infections Disease Research and Vaccinology are located in Brookings, South Dakota, a community of approximately 18,500 in east-central South Dakota.  The city has an excellent K-12 education system, is accessible to major medical facilities, has an active cultural and social environment, and has been ranked highly in recent surveys of small university towns in the United States.   

Application Procedure:  Submit curriculum vitae; statement of relevant experience, and the names and addresses of three professional references by postal service to: 

        David H. Francis, Ph.D.

        Veterinary Science Department

        Box 2175, North Campus Drive

        South Dakota State University

        Brookings, SD  57007-1396 

Applications accepted until December 1, 2004 or until a suitable candidate is found. Inquiries may be addressed to Dr. Francis by phone (605-688-5680) FAX (605-688-6003) or e-mail (david.francis@sdstate.edu). Only candidates who have submitted all required application materials will be considered for the position. 

South Dakota State University is committed to affirmative action, equal opportunity and the diversity of its faculty, staff and students.  Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.  Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made at 605-688-4504/TTY (605) 688-4394.